Senate advances bill to end twice‑annual clock changes by pursuing Atlantic Standard Time
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Summary
Senators debated and approved a House substitute that would direct Georgia to seek federal approval to observe Atlantic Standard Time year‑round, weighing public‑health benefits against potential misalignment with neighboring states.
The Senate adopted a committee substitute and passed House Bill 154, a measure directing Georgia to pursue federal approval to observe Atlantic Standard Time year‑round and thereby end biannual time changes.
Supporters described the measure as a public‑health, safety and routine‑stability improvement. The senator carrying the bill emphasized disrupted sleep, workplace productivity and accident risks tied to clock changes, calling consistency “about stability” and urging fellow senators to consider accommodations at local levels for morning start times.
Opponents cautioned that unilateral action could desynchronize Georgia from neighboring states that do not take the same step. A senator opposing the bill said that moving to Atlantic Standard Time without other Eastern Time states doing so could create logistical problems — for example, a two‑hour difference with neighboring Alabama during parts of the year — and urged a coordinated regional approach.
The Senate adopted the committee substitute without objection and passed the bill by substitute (recorded vote: yays 45, nays 5). Supporters said the measure uses an existing federal process (petitioning the U.S. Secretary of Transportation) and noted that many states have passed similar authorizing language pending federal action.
Provenance: Floor presentation and debate begin at topicintro SEG 2022 and conclude with passage recorded at topfinish SEG 2285.
